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• Connect and operate invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment (e.g., arterial pressure monitors), anesthesia machines, ventilators, intubation bronchoscopes, and ultrasonic scanning devices. T
• Prepare and equipment for endotracheal intubation as directed by the attending physician.
• Trouble shoot anesthesia related equipment extemporaneously.
• Mentor and train lower graded technicians, nurses, medical students, and anesthesia residents on anesthesia technology procedures and assist the supervisor/manager with quality control and performance improvement activities.
• Exercise a high degree of independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties.
• Maintains and operates and following machines in the critical care laboratory within Anesthesia Service: i-STAT 1 Analyzer MN: 300-G by Abbott Industries, and Cobas ACCU-CHEK Inform II blood glucometer, bot used for STAT on-the-fly bedside point of care testing.
• Assists in the performance of invasive procedures.
• Advises anesthesiologists or other anesthesia providers of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination.
• Performs a range of diagnostic support duties such as taking, recording, and reporting to supervisor deviations in vital signs, taking specimens, labeling specimens for the laboratory.
• Participates in the training of physicians, students and anesthesiology staff so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of anesthesia and how it relates to other services.
• Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of instrumentation/equipment. This requires maintaining a diagnostic log, schedule log, and procedure log.
• Determines technical factors, calibrates, sets controls and operates equipment and instruments. Sets up and adjusts specialized equipment (monitors, ventilators, etc.). Sets equipment parameters based on the patient's diagnosis or specific and/or individualized testing criteria. Makes precise adjustments to clarify readings and measurements. Maintains and makes minor repairs to anesthesia equipment.
• Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section.
• Obtains blood for blood gas analysis, and finger sticks for glucose determination and independently performs venipuncture and blood drawing for diagnostic purposes. Performs ancillary point of care testing (iStat, Glucometer operation)
• Maintains adequate supplies so that clinical operations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies.
• Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedure or position to adjust to patients' medical condition.
• Assists the anesthesiologist in the performance of TEE, and neuronal blockade and central catheter placements using ultrasound techniques. This requires the use of surgical sterile techniques, syringes, needles, etc.
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients understand the proper preparations for anesthesia in an effort to minimize delays of procedures.
• Explains procedures/monitoring processes to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients is thoroughly understood.
• Operates bronchoscopy camera for the purpose of making hard copy records of airway examinations so that future examinations may be compared.
• Assists with quality assurance technologists in performing quality assurance testing on the anesthesia unit using phantoms, test tools, test check lists, etc. for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the anesthesia equipment. Maintains records of the quality assurance testing so that easy reference is available should servicing be necessary (weekly basis)
• Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the anesthesia area is clean and sanitary. This is done so that when sterile procedures are required in the holding area, there is minimal possibility of cross contamination due to unsanitary conditions.
• The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.
• Responds to emergency situations by assisting in performance of resuscitation measures (CPR, BLS, ACLS). Therefore, certification in BLS and ACLS is strongly recommended.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Work Schedule:0600 - 1430
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD24121-F

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation
• Physical Requirements / Work Environment: Requires walking, prolonged standing, pushing and pulling of heavy equipment, and intermittently carrying of items greater than 10lbs. Work is performed in an office, clinical , surgical setting with risk of blood and body fluid exposure that requires safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in somewhat stressful situations
• Licensure or Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
• English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grandfathering Provision. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Preferred Experience: Experience with assembly of autologous blood therapy devices, including selecting and mixing the appropriate anticoagulant, sterile blood collection, preparation and combination of anticoagulants, set up of extracorporeal circuits and breakdown post-bypass, set up and transport of intra-aortic balloon pump console.

Grade Determinations:GS-8 Medical Instrument Technician (Anesthesia Technician) (Full Performance Level)

(a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided a knowledge of the more complex procedures as well as knowledge of the uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of the correct use of invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology.
2. Knowledge of basic electrocardiography (EKG).
3. Skill and ability to troubleshoot equipment, often while the patient is anesthetized.
4. Skill and ability to maintain sterility during procedures.
5. Knowledge and understanding of arterial pressure line wave forms including the ability to recognize and distinguish normal from abnormal, artifact from abnormality, and forewarn the physician or anesthetist of an impending life-threatening situation.
6. Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies, medications, and equipment appropriate to more difficult anesthetic procedures such as those found in inpatient settings with more acutely ill patients

(c) Certification. No certification or registration is required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level.

(d)Assignment. This represents the full performance level. The anesthesia technician at this level assists anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in difficult anesthetic procedures under minimal supervision. The technician will connect and operate invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment (e.g., arterial pressure monitors), anesthesia machines, ventilators, intubation bronchoscopes, and ultrasonic scanning devices. Technicians prepare and administer medications as directed by the attending physician. They mentor and train lower graded technicians, nurses, medical students, and anesthesia residents on anesthesia technology procedures and assist the supervisor/manager with quality control and performance improvement activities. The technician will exercise a high degree of independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties


Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.